In less than 24 hours, Falls Festival has managed to raise almost $120,000 for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, by selling out their 1,200 Bush Fire Relief New Year’s Eve tickets.
It’s part of an ongoing initiation by festival organisers to raise money for the Red Cross, in response to the devastating Christmas Day bushfires in Victoria, which destroyed 116 homes in the Surf Coast region.
“The money donated will go to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery work with the communities affected by the catastrophic Surf Coast bushfires,” said Penny Harrison, Australian Red Cross Executive Director for Victoria.
“Recovery from a disaster of any scale can be a long and difficult process, taking months and sometimes years. Our staff and volunteers will be there providing support and advice for as long as it is needed.”
Falls organisers managed to pull off a last minute relocation of the Victorian site, after the regular site at Lorne was deemed too high risk. (It is now expected that NYE temperatures at Lorne will hit 40 degrees, and the town will be evacuated.)
“Our hearts are broken for those in the area affected by this disaster,” said Jessica Ducrou, Falls Festival Co-Producer. “We will continue to work with residents, councils and local businesses to do everything we can to help get our community back on its feet.”
Falls acts / bloody legends Dunerats and Courtney Barnett have both pledged any profits from their merch sold at Falls to be donated to the Red Cross disaster relief fund as well. (Anyone else wanting to donate can do so HERE.)
Photo: Facebook.
